The NFL Draft and a large number of dynasty rookie drafts have wrapped up, and we are nearing the long stretch of the off-season until training camps begin in late summer. This will be the time when many in your leagues “take a break,” which is just another advantage for you dynasty players. Here’s the top news from the past week in the NFL.
Tajae Sharpe, WR TEN
The buzz around Titans rookie receiver Tajae Sharpe is quickly growing. After multiple positive reports about Sharpe’s play, head coach Mike Mularkey announced the fifth rounder would open training camp as a starter. The Titans suddenly have some depth at the position with the selection of Sharpe and signing of Rishard Matthews. Mix in the expected breakout of Dorial Green-Beckham and its fair to expect a ferocious battle at Titans training camp. For now, Sharpe is trending up, yet can still be had at a reasonable price in trade or rookie drafts.
Jared Cook, TE GB
A Packers beat writer is projecting new tight end Jared Cook to win the starting role over incumbent Richard Rodgers. Cook has routinely disappointed fantasy owners, but he’s never been in an offense like this. A career year from Cook wouldn’t be a surprise at all, yet he’s still very affordable and sometimes even available on dynasty waiver wires.
Steve Smith, WR BAL
Ravens veteran receiver Steve Smith recently made some surprising comments regarding his future, explaining that he was unsure of when he could return, but that he would have to “do something in training camp to be able to play.” Smith won’t participate in any OTAs and his camp status is unclear. Smith also commented about a new goal of reaching 1,000 career receptions. Smith is just 39 catches away. Many gave up on Smith after his injury, which was fair considering he’d already announced his retirement, but he suddenly has a little bit of dynasty life.
Marquess Wilson, WR CHI
Bears wideout Marquess Wilson suffered a broken bone in his foot during Chicago’s minicamp and will miss the remainder of the off-season. There is concern Wilson could also begin the season on the PUP list. Wilson has been a long-time favorite of many as a potential breakout candidate, but has never been able to translate that to the field. Wilson is probably not worth a roster spot in most dynasty formats.
Martellus Bennett, TE NE
Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett continues to draw rave reviews from early practices. Longtime beat writer Mike Reiss recently predicted Bennett would be a big factor in the team’s offense. The dynasty value on Bennett has been all over the board, with some projecting him as the next sidekick to star Rob Gronkowski and others viewing the former Bear as an afterthought. I think his production and value will be somewhere in between, but Bennett could easily finish among the top 12 tight ends this season, making him a value at this point in the off-season.
 CJ Spiller, RB NO
A local report out of New Orleans says that veteran running back CJ Spiller, who many expected a huge season from a year ago, is still behind journeyman Tim Hightower on the Saints depth chart. Spiller was a huge bust a year ago as it was Hightower who made the most of Mark Ingram’s injury. If Spiller doesn’t show improvement by training camp, he may not even make the final roster. He’s barely worthy of a dynasty roster spot as well.
Breshad Perriman, WR BAL
It’s been a roller coaster couple of weeks for Ravens receiver Breshad Perriman. A report out of Baltimore’s minicamp said that Perriman had suffered a partially torn ACL and his season was in danger. Later reports explained that the injury was no as significant as once feared and he could return by training camp. Even with this good news, it’s dangerous to trust Perriman after he missed his rookie season and suffered this new injury.
Jordan Reed, TE WAS
Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is currently sitting out minicamp with an ankle injury. Considering many stars are taking some time off, it shouldn’t be a major concern, but Reed’s history of injuries has my attention. After a breakout season in 2015, Reed’s value is at an all-time high and this might be the ideal time to sell to talented tight end in dynasty leagues.
Darren McFadden, RB DAL
Cowboys running back Darren McFadden will miss up to two months after breaking his elbow in a home accident. McFadden is expected to miss the beginning of training camp, at least, but could miss even more time depending on how he heals. The veteran was set to play behind rookie Ezekiel Elliott in the Dallas backfield, though the pecking order is still to be determined as McFadden, Alfred Morris and Lance Dunbar all fight for snaps behind the team’s top rookie. McFadden is barely hanging onto any dynasty value he had following the addition of Elliott.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE TB
After a dispute in practice, Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was sent home. The tight end then made a bad situation worse by taking to Twitter and posting some inappropriate comments. This quickly led to speculation that the team could trade or release Seferian-Jenkins, but that seems to have passed. Seferian-Jenkins has issued an apology and returned to practice. He is still locked into a battle with Cameron Brate for the starting role and the value of the young tight ends is going in opposite directions.
Nelson Agholor, WR PHI
Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor is under fire after being accused of sexual assault by a Philadelphia area exotic dancer. Agholor and his representatives maintain his innocence but there is an ongoing investigation. Agholor’s dynasty value was already diminished after a disappointing rookie season and changes on the Eagles’ coaching staff. Personally, I’m avoiding Agholor in my dynasty leagues, but if you’re a fan, now is the best time to buy low.
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